A Lunisolar Way of Being
Celebrate something special with us this year
Today is a very special day. Largely unnoticed here in the United States, an estimated 2 billion humans around the world are celebrating. What are they celebrating? The transition from one lunisolar year to another, the water rabbit hopping aside, making way for the wood dragon. Last year, Lunar New Year of the Water Rabbit fell on January 22nd, and this year we celebrate the year of the Wood Dragon, February 10th. As a child, I always found it confusing that Chinese New Year was never on the same day. It wasn’t until much later that I understood its ancient significance rooted in agricultural celebration of the phasing out of winter and embracing a new spring. Chinese New Year is always celebrated on the second full moon following the Winter solstice.
This inconsistent holiday has become a subject of sensitive discord in my household. Born in late January of 1964, my partner has always fashioned himself a Dragon. Much to his dismay and denial, Chinese New Year of 1964 fell on February 13th and ended February 1st 1965. Therefore if you were born between these dates, I wish you a very happy Lunar New Years return! Since we will not see another Year of the Wood Dragon until 2084.
This system of tracking time is but one of six in current use. Our Gregorian calendar here in the United States is based on the movement of the Earth around the Sun, or a solar calendar. The only principal lunar calendar in use today is the Islamic calendar, which moves through the year following the lunar phase cycle. The Chinese calendar is technically a Luni-solar calendar which takes into account both the movement of the sun through the seasons, and the phases of the moon. But what do animals and elements have to do with it?
Many years ago in a land far away, an emperor thought it would help his nation of largely uneducated superstitious people get on the same timeline by introducing a tracking system that combined both religious function and social purpose. What began as a folklore tale of 12 animals in a great race, became intertwined with an ordinal numerical system called the 10 Heavenly Stems, and then again with the 5 classical elements of Chinese medical philosophy. Sounds complicated? Convenient though if you want to know a person’s age. In many cultures, asking a person’s age is considered rude. But asking a person’s Lunisolar zodiac sign is perfectly acceptable!
So, what does the Year of the Wood Dragon represent? Dragons are the only animal in the calendar that don’t technically exist. Mythical creatures, regal, charismatic and self-assured, those born in a Dragon year are thought to be good leaders, blessed with tenacity and intelligence. Wood represents new beginnings. It is the element of Spring, the direction of East, the flavor of Sour, regulates the emotions of anger and frustration. In Chinese medical pathology, Wood is rooted in the systems of the Liver and Gallbladder.
Philosophers all over the internet share that this is the year of rejuvenated beginnings. Now is the time to plant some roots and create a solid foundation for long-term success. The Dragon represents good fortune and prosperity. So, I challenge you to embody a Wood Dragon! Pursue your dreams, express your ideas and expand your horizons. Go on an adventure, cultivate creativity, and create value for yourself and others.
As I write this, my partner is four days away from arriving in Ushuaia Patagonia, Argentina, Province of Tierra del Fuego. The most southern part of South America, and the “end of the world”. Having left on October 15th, 2023 from Vancouver WA, he has traveled by motorcycle 17,595 miles thus far. This past January he turned 60, and wanted to fulfill a bucket list dream, contemplate his future so he can come back “renewed”. When he returns home in a few weeks, he’ll no doubt see the small ceramic figurine of a cute rabbit on our fireplace mantle, next to the figurine of my horse. Maybe he is a Rabbit, but he definitely has Dragon tendencies.
